Your training goal guides your choice of boxing gloves. Some models let you combine bag work, pads and suitable partner drills. Others are made specifically for sparren, or for the punching bag. They can look very similar on the outside, even though you buy them for different purposes.
You notice that difference most when your training changes. A pair that works well on the punching bag is not necessarily a suitable sparring pair. And a specialized sparring glove need not be your go-to choice for intensive bag work. If you do both, you may benefit from two separate pairs.
In this guide, we compare all-round training gloves, sparring gloves and bag gloves. We explain the differences and when one pair may be enough. Then we take a closer look at the Rival bag gloves: RB5, RB50, RB10, RB11, RB100 and RFX-Guerrero. Each design offers its own combination of room for the hand, padding and wrist closure.
Training gloves, sparring gloves and bag gloves
‘Regular boxing gloves’ is not a fixed technical category. The term covers a range of models, from a recreational all-round glove to a specialized sparring pair. That is why it is wise not to rely on the product name alone.
All-round training gloves are designed for several types of exercise. XPRT Top Gloves, for example, is a leather model for bag work, pads and light sparren. That makes it a different choice from the Rival RS11V, which is specifically a sparring glove.
Sparring gloves are intended for controlled partner contact. When choosing them, consider not only your hands, but also whether the padding is suitable for that use and what your gym requires. A pair that feels good to you must also suit the exercise you do with your partner.
Bag gloves are designed for training on the punching bag and pads. The Rival RB series is a clear example. The training purpose is what matters: a secure wrist closure or appealing striking surface does not make a bag glove suitable for sparren.
Competition gloves are a separate category. The required design and weight depend on the competition rules. Choosing a competition model because it is compact is no substitute for a suitable training or sparring glove.
Why sparren calls for a different choice
On the punching bag, your glove hits training equipment. When sparren, it hits a person. That changes the considerations. It is not just about comfort, fist position and support, but also about whether the construction is intended for partner contact.
So asking ‘does it have a lot of padding?’ is not enough. Look at the intended use of the complete model and the condition of the pair. A glove with a thick profile may still be designed for the punching bag.
Comparing sparring models and their closures
Rival RS11V Evolution and RS100 Pro Sparring are clear examples of sparring models. The RS11V has a V-Strap Wrist Lock 2 closure; the RS100 version discussed here has laces and an Angled Lace Track. Both use a layered foam construction, but they differ in how you adjust them.
The choice between these models remains personal. Do you want to fasten them yourself, or do you have help with the laces? How does your fist sit in the model, and what weight suits your sparring sessions and your gym’s rules? Those questions are more useful than assuming every large glove makes a good sparring pair.
Do not use a dedicated bag glove for sparren. Not even ‘just lightly’ because it feels comfortable. Training lightly and using suitable equipment are two separate requirements; one cannot replace the other.
What makes bag and pad training different
Bag training is not just about hitting as hard as possible. You can work on distance, rhythm, balance, conditioning or a specific combination. With pads, the target’s position and the trainer’s instructions also come into play. The training equipment and the exercise together determine what you need.
A specialized bag glove may appeal to you if you want a pair made specifically for those sessions. You can keep it separate from your sparring gear and choose the fist shape and closure you find comfortable for bag work.
That does not mean an all-round training glove can never be used on the bag. Models offered for that purpose, such as XPRT Top Gloves, have a broader range of uses. The distinction is not ‘bag glove good, regular glove bad’, but what each model is designed for.
A suitable bag glove gives you equipment chosen specifically for bag work. Pair a comfortable fist position and wrist adjustment with attention to distance, rhythm and controlled contact.
Padding and fist shape: more than thick versus thin
The old distinction that ‘sparring gloves are thick, bag gloves are thin’ does not hold across the entire market. In the Rival bag range, for example, you’ll find the lightly padded RB5 alongside more elaborate models with layered foam and technical closures.
The RB5 is a traditional bag mitt with thin EVA padding. The RB11 Evolution uses a combination of closed-cell foam and latex. The RB10 and RB50 feature Intelli-Shock technology. So they are not simply different colors of the same glove.
The room for your fingers and the position of your knuckles matter too. One model may fit your hand comfortably, while another athlete may struggle to make a relaxed fist in it. So compare the internal fit while wearing your own handwraps.
For sparren, assess the padding with partner contact in mind. For the punching bag and pads, consider how the glove performs in those exercises. Compare the overall intended use, not just the thickness or number of layers. The technical construction can then help you decide which models to try on side by side.
Oz and letter sizes: not every bag glove is sized the same way
With many training and sparring gloves, you choose a weight in oz. Bag gloves may also come in letter sizes. These are different ways of specifying versions, and you should not assume you can convert one to the other.
Oz indicates the stated weight, not a universal measure of hand room. A 16 oz glove in one model may fit differently from a 16 oz version of another. For letter sizes, check the sizing information for that specific range.
Bring the hand protection you use during training. Handwraps affect the available space and how your hand sits in the glove. A glove that fits comfortably without handwraps may feel different with your usual wrapping.
For sparren, follow your gym's weight requirements and any other rules. For bag gloves, check the sizing guidance for the specific model. There is no rule that bag gloves must always fall between two fixed oz weights.
Wrist closure and thumb: no simple dividing line
Bag gloves do not necessarily have less wrist support or a loose thumb. Designs vary within the category. A classic bag mitt can be built very differently from a modern closed model with a technical cuff.
Rival offers different wrist closure systems. RB50 uses the Angled Ergo-Strap System. RB10 and RB11 have V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2. RB100 uses Wrist-Lock 3, with a separate double hook-and-loop system.
The closure is therefore another reason to compare models individually. Feel how you adjust it, whether you can get a comfortable fit on your own and whether the cuff pinches. Tightening the strap won't fix an uncomfortable hand position.
Check the thumb position on each model too. You want a comfortable position without pain or constant pulling on your hand. Compare the thumb position while making a relaxed fist and taking your usual guard position.
When an all-round training pair makes sense
If you take a variety of classes and are looking for your first pair, a suitable all-round training glove can be a practical starting point. An all-round model lets you use one practical training pair for different exercises.
XPRT Top Gloves uses cowhide leather, multilayer foam and a wide hook-and-loop closure. It is offered for punching bag work, pads and light sparren. That versatility is the key feature, not just the leather exterior.
Twins BGVL3 is another option to compare for boxing and kickboxing. It uses cowhide leather, polyurethane foam and a wide hook-and-loop closure. When choosing for this type of training, the right version, fit and rules for partner contact remain important.
XPRT Pro V3 features leather, multilayer foam padding, a shaped thumb and a long, wide wrist strap. Compare those features with the exercises in your class. Choose the version and weight that suit your bag work, pad training or sparring.
An all-round pair is practical for varied classes. A separate bag glove also lets you choose the fist shape, padding and closure specifically for your bag and pad training. This gives each type of training a suitable place in your kit.
When a separate sparring pair makes sense
A separate sparring pair helps you match your equipment to its purpose. You reserve one pair for partner training and use equipment designed for bag work on the bag. That way, you don't have to expect one glove to meet every training need.
This is particularly useful if you do a lot of punching bag and pad training and also spar regularly. You can choose a bag glove for its specific hand compartment and cuff, while keeping your sparring pair suited to partner contact.
Rival makes the distinction clear with names like RS11V Sparring and RB11 Bag. A similar exterior or related closure does not mean you can use them interchangeably. The same applies to RS100 and RB100: sharing a family name does not make them identical gloves.
Keep checking both pairs. Inspect the padding, seams, closure and lining regularly. This helps you keep track of the condition of both your bag gloves and your equipment for partner training.
Rival RB5: a classic bag mitt with a distinct role
The RB5 has the most distinctive construction in this comparison. It is an old-school bag mitt with thin EVA padding, a leather exterior and Rival's Ergo-Lite construction. The model is designed for technical work where feeling the contact is an important part of the choice.
This means the RB5 is not a small version of a sparring glove. Nor is it simply a cheaper RB10 or RB100. Its limited padding reflects a different approach to bag training.
Worth considering if: you're specifically looking for a traditional bag mitt for controlled technical bag work. Consider your experience, hand comfort and the exercises you want to do with it.
Less suitable if: you’re looking for one first pair for an entire group class, want to sparren, or expect a thin model to have the same construction as a more substantial bag glove. The RB5 is a specific equipment choice, not a general recommendation for every beginner.
Don’t judge how contact feels as a contest to use as little padding as possible. If a strike feels uncomfortable or painful, stop and check your technique, intensity, and how your gloves fit. Thinner gloves aren’t automatic proof of better training.
Rival RB50 Intelli-Shock: a focused choice for bag training
With the RB50, the key points of comparison are Intelli-Shock, the hand compartment, and the Angled Ergo-Strap-System. The diagonal closure gives this series a different wrist adjustment from a conventional straight strap.
The palm has mesh, and the inside has a soft lining. These are practical details to consider alongside the padding. How the wrist strap fastens and how much room your fingers have with handwraps also help determine whether the gloves feel comfortable to use.
Worth considering if: you’re looking for a separate pair of bag gloves and want to compare this closure and fit with other Rival series. Intelli-Shock is a feature of the model, not the only reason to buy it.
What to look for: whether the diagonal strap fits your wrist well and you can make a fist without uncomfortable pressure. A product name or shock-absorption technology doesn’t mean everyone will find the same adjustment comfortable.
The RB50 remains a bag glove. Its technical construction is no reason to use it for contact with a partner. Keep that distinction in mind when comparing it with a comfortable sparring model.
Rival RB10 Intelli-Shock: V-Strap and a closed bag glove
The RB10 combines Intelli-Shock with microfiber, a foam construction with closed-cell foam and latex, a ventilated palm, and V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2. That combination makes it a different bag glove from the RB50, even though both carry the Intelli-Shock name.
Compare the cuff and the room for your hand separately. Related technology doesn’t mean the fit is the same. Especially when moving from a regular training glove to a dedicated bag glove, it’s important to feel how your fingers and knuckles sit.
Worth considering if: you’re looking for a closed bag glove with V-Strap and want to compare the RB10’s construction with the RB11 or RB50. Look at the whole model rather than just the technical label.
What to look for: the wrist adjustment, the room for handwraps, and how easily you can fasten them yourself. You’re looking for a position that works for your training, not a theoretical ‘perfect fist’ that would be the same for everyone.
Assess the RB10 with your usual handwraps and bag training in mind. The combination of Intelli-Shock, hand construction and V-Strap gives you specific features to compare with the RB50 and RB11.
Rival RB11 Evolution: not to be confused with the RS11V
The RB11 Evolution uses microfiber, a combination of closed-cell foam and latex, an AirFlow mesh palm and V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2. That makes the series a distinct bag glove option alongside the Intelli-Shock models.
It's tempting to describe the RB11 as ‘the RS11V for the bag’, but that hides the most important difference. Their intended uses and padding need to be assessed separately. The RS11V is for sparren; the RB11 is for bag training.
Worth considering if: you're looking for a bag glove with this foam construction and V-Strap. If you've used Rival's diagonal closures before, that's a reason to try on this model, not to assume it has the same hand compartment.
What to check: the fit of the hand compartment and cuff. Compare the RB11 with the RB10 based on the construction you're actually buying, without treating the presence or absence of a single technical term as a complete assessment of quality.
The microfiber exterior is in keeping with the RB11's technical bag glove construction. Wipe down the exterior after training and give the lining time to dry so the pair stays comfortable to use.
Rival RB100 Professional: a different cuff and fist construction
The RB100 Professional uses microfiber PU, a multilayer foam construction, a mesh palm and True-Fist construction. At the wrist, it has Wrist-Lock 3, with a separate double hook-and-loop closure system.
That's a concrete difference from the RB10 and RB11's V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2. When comparing models, don't look only at the knuckle side. How you adjust the belts is an important part of the overall experience.
Worth considering if: you specifically want to try the True-Fist construction and Wrist-Lock 3 in a separate pair for bag training. It's a choice based on construction and adjustability, not on the assumption that the number 100 automatically establishes a ranking for every athlete.
What to check: whether your hand forms a comfortable fist and you can adjust both belts comfortably. A more elaborate closure system may appeal, but it shouldn't conceal a pressure point or a hand compartment that's too small.
Don't confuse the RB100 with the RS100 Pro Sparring. The RS100 mentioned here is a lace-up glove for sparren; the RB100 is the bag version. A shared name and recognizable finish don't make their intended uses interchangeable.
RFX-Guerrero bag gloves: the same family feel, a different purpose
Even within the RFX-Guerrero family, you need to check the full product name. There are competition, sparring and bag versions. The word Guerrero alone does not tell you which pair you need for your training.
The RFX-Guerrero bag versions discussed here combine a leather exterior, Intelli-Shock and V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2. Our range includes Croco, Snake and Cyber Edition. These are different finishes for bag gloves, not a reason to use them as competition gloves or for sparring.
Worth considering if: you’re specifically looking for a Guerrero bag glove construction and want to compare its shape and cuff with the RB series. The look may be part of your preference, but the intended use should guide your choice.
What to look for: room for your hand, thumb position and how the cuff closes. An exclusive design does not determine whether the fit feels comfortable for your fingers. Compare the exact version, not just a general family name.
An image showing a Croco or Snake texture does not prove that real reptile skin is used. The versions described use cowhide with a textured finish. Shape, material and decoration are separate aspects of the model.
How to compare the Rival bag glove range without declaring an artificial winner
Start with the biggest construction choice: do you want a traditional thin bag mitt or a more substantial closed glove? That distinguishes the RB5 from the other series discussed here before you get into closures and product names.
Then you can look at the wrist adjustment. The RB50 has Angled Ergo-Strap; the RB10 and RB11 have V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2; the RB100 uses Wrist-Lock 3. The Guerrero bag versions discussed here also have V-Strap Wrist-Lock 2, but their own hand construction and finish.
Next, compare the padding and interior shape. Intelli-Shock features in the RB50, RB10 and the Guerrero bag models discussed here. The RB11 has its own combination of closed-cell foam and latex. The RB100 combines its multi-layer construction with True-Fist. None of those descriptions is a substitute for trying them on.
A useful comparison ends with a reason to try a particular model. For example: you’re looking for V-Strap, you want two separate straps, or you want a traditional mitt for technical work. ‘This is the best for everyone’ is less helpful.
Compare the models using the same handwraps and with the same training goal in mind. If you’re looking for a pair for sparring, none of these bag gloves is the right choice. Start with suitable sparring gloves, not the most impressive bag glove construction.
Fit: assess your fist, thumb and wrist closure
Gently make a fist while trying them on. Pay attention to the space around your fingers, where your knuckles sit and how your thumb rests. A new pair does not need to be fully broken in, but noticeable pain or pinching is not part of a good initial fit.
Try them on with your usual handwraps and check that you can adjust the closure properly yourself. First, make sure there’s enough room for your hand, then adjust the wrist strap until it feels secure and comfortable. That way, the fit and closure work together to keep the glove stable.
Care: wipe down, air out and store dry
Let gloves air out after use and follow the care instructions for the model. Leather cream isn’t suitable for every outer material. Care instructions may differ for microfibre, leather and different finishes.
Also check the seams, lining, closure and padding. An exterior that still looks good doesn’t mean the padding has stayed evenly distributed. A fresh smell doesn’t make worn-out equipment suitable for bag training or sparren again.
Stop the exercise if you feel pain, and check the fit and your technique. A well-fitting glove feels comfortable and supports the training goal you chose it for.
Practical advice: one pair or two?
You’re starting varied boxing or kickboxing classes
First, look for a pair of training gloves that suits the exercises in your class. Choose a weight that fits those exercises, and follow your gym’s rules for sparren. A suitable all-round model gives you a practical starting point for varied classes. For focused bag and pad training, you can also consider a separate bag glove.
You mainly train on the punching bag and pads
Then a dedicated bag glove could be a good choice. Compare Rival's ranges for interior fit, cuff and construction. Look beyond the price: the right closure and a comfortable fist position need to work for you in every session.
You do a lot of bag work and regularly sparren
Consider two pairs: a bag glove for bag and pad training, and a suitable pair for sparren with a partner. Rival RB11 and RS11V, or RB100 and RS100, show how one brand keeps these uses separate. You don’t need to choose the same brand or range for both.
You want to work on technique with a classic bag mitt
Choose RB5 if you specifically want a traditional bag mitt for technical bag work and its thin padding suits your training. The distinctive feel on contact is a reason to consider a traditional mitt, not to train as hard as possible with as little padding as possible.
Conclusion: match each pair to your training
The main difference is the intended use, not the size or brand. Choose a pair that suits your training and always treat sparren as a separate activity. If you want to compare the closures and room for your hands yourself, you can view and buy suitable models in our showroom in Waddinxveen. Tell us whether you want one pair for training or want to keep bag work and sparren separate. That’s a much better starting point than just ‘regular or bag’.
